[soon2bemom]

It really depends on what you are going to do on your trip...if you want to quietly and peacefully bond with your baby with as few interruptions as possible then La Casa Grande is a good place to be. The rooms are reasonably comfortable although very spare. The basic Guatemalan food is good, although what little American food is served there can be terrible (don't try the hamburgers - ick). The housestaff is very helpful, and will be happy to fetch anything you want. Dont count on them to arrange pick up at the airport though, they really let me down on that one. (I was outside the airport at 5 am with my bags in my hand for one hour until I realized that despite multiple confirmatory emails they hadnt sent anyone for me)

I definitely wouldnt stay there if you are travelling with people who might get bored such as older children. There is literally nothing to do...and I mean nothing. Bring your own entertainment. No heated swimming pool, no fancy restaurant, and although there may be a few other couples adopting there is no guarantee you will find people to talk to....bring a book for when your baby is asleep.

By comparison the Marriott is bigger, has a fabulous buffet stocked with excellent food, helpful employees who speak impeccable english, there is a good swimming pool, There is a small supermarket around the corner with everything you might possibly need and a Ladatel phone for calling the states cheap. There are lots of people to talk to...take your baby down to the pool and you are sure to strike up a conversation. Older kids will be thrilled by it. It doesnt feel much like Guatemala though....